Aeroplane-bomb.



E. S. FOXW'QRTH.

AEROPLANE BOMB. APPLICATION FILED FEB.2. 191a- Patented Aug. 20

Witnesses i the top, the same being closed by a bottom PATENT FFICE.

ELDRIGE S. FOXWORTH, OF GLENMORA, LOUISIANA.

AEROPLANE-BOMB.

Application filed February 2, 1918.

. To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ELDRIGE S. Fox- WORTH, a citizen of the United States, residin at Glenmora, in the parish of Rapides and tate ofLouisiana, have invented new and useful Improvements in Aeroplane- Bombs, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to bombs or explosive shells especially adapted to be dropped from aeroplanes and other aircraft, the bomb being of such a character that it ignites inflammable material contained within the shell of the bomb and explodes and bursts the shell, scattering and spreading the burning liquid with great damage to the life and property of the enemy. The bomb, when it explodes and scatters the burning liquid, illuminates a considerable territory thereby enabling a number of aeroplanes or other aircraft to more eflectively attack the enemy at night time.

With the above and other objects in view, the invention consists in the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts, herein described, illustrated and claimed.

The accompanying drawing represents a vertical longitudinal section through the improved bomb.

The improved bomb in the preferred formation thereof comprises a tapering thin metal shell 1 larger at the bottom than at wall 2 and a top wall 3. The upper end portion of the shell, above the top wall 3 is preferably conical in shape as shown at 4 and has a ring or veye 5 at the apex thereof by which the bomb is suspended or held in the hand preparatory to dropping the same.

Secured to the top wall 3 and extending downwardly therefrom is a cylindrical container 6 in which is inserted an explosive or bursting charge 7 and a percussion cap 8 mthe equivalent thereof. 9 designates a firing plunger which is slidable through an opening in the bottom wall 2, said opening being guarded by a stuliing box 10. The plunger rod 9 extends below the bottom of the container and is provided with radiating arms or fingers 11 between which and the bottom of the shell are interposed compression springs 12 which hold the firing plunger normally depressed so that it does not contact with the cap in the explosive charge chamber 6. The firing plunger 9 is additionalh held depressed by means of an- Speeification of Letters Patent.

firing Serial N 0. 215,100.

'- chamber 6 and a cup-shaped spray thrower 14 which is fastened to the plunger 9 and braced by a cone-shaped extension 15 on the bottom of said spray thrower. If desired a cotter pin 16 may be inserted through the plunger 9 against which the lower extremity of the spring 13 may bear. l7 designates a removable plug for giving access to the chamber 6 for the insertion of the bursting charge and the In the use of the bomb, gasolene or other highly volatile hydrocarbon is placed in the shell 1 slightly above the level of the spray thrower 11. A burstin charge is inserted in the chamber 6 and a so a percussion cap so as to be struck by the plunger 9. The bomb is dropped with the large and heavier end lowermost and upon striking the ground I11 order to'still further provide for the safety of the device, I form a hole 18 in the plunger rod 9 and in conjunction therewith, I employ a slidable locking rod 19 which lower side of the bottom 2 of the device. The rod 19 has a laterally projecting finger piece 21 adjacent to its outer end which is adapted to be moved into and out of engagement with a retaining clasp 22 secured to the device adjacent to the bottom corner thereof. The locking rod 19 will be left in engagement with the plunger rod 9 until the bomb is to be used; then the locking rod 19 will be withdrawn from engagement with the plunger rod and secured to the clasp or keeper 22. The plunger rod 9 is now free as far as the locking rod 19 is concerned.

I claim 1. A bomb comprising in combination, a shell or container for inflammable liquid, a chamber in the upper art of said shell, a bursting charge in said chamber, a percussion cap therein, a plunger extending longitudinall v of the shell and projecting below the bottom end thereof, means for yieldably percussion cap.'

Patented Aug. 2 0, 1918.

90 extends through eves or guides 20 on the holding said plunger at the lower limit of its movement, said plunger being adapted to contact with said cap, and a cup-shaped spray thrower mounted upon and movable with said firing plunger.

2. A bomb comprising in combination, a shell or container for inflammable liquid, a chamber in the upper part of said shell, a bursting charge in said chamber, a percussion cap thereln, a plunger extending longitudinally of the shell and projecting below the bottom end thereof, means for yieldably holding said plunger at the lower limit of its movement; said plunger being adapted to contact with said cap, and a cup-shaped 16 spray thrower mounted upon and movable with said firing plunger, said bursting charge chamber having an opening across which the spray is thrown.

In testlmony whereof I aflix my signature. 20

ELDRIGE S. FOXWORTH. 

